"Go." Julian sighed heavily like a man being forced into exile. Reluctantly, he leaned down and kissed Amara's forehead one more time before standing. Then, before leaving, he pointed at his mother seriously.
"Five minutes." Madam Vale raised an eyebrow. "Julian."
"Ten if she smiles again." Amara shook her head helplessly as Julian finally walked toward the door. But right before stepping out, he turned back one last time.
His eyes immediately found Amara again. Always her. "I love you," he said softly. Amara's chest tightened warmly. "I know," she whispered back. Julian smiled faintly. Then finally, he left the room.
"Mother, I…" Amara tried to speak, but Madam Vale gently stopped her.
"No," she said softly. "Let me finish first." The older woman sat beside her on the bed, elegant and composed as always, yet there was something deeply sincere in her eyes now.
